A significant decline in active terrorists was witnessed in Jammu and Kashmir, previous year. While the number of active militants in the Valley dropped by a staggering 32% in 2023, security forces are shifting their focus to the Jammu region after a recent surge in militancy-related incidents.According to official data, only 91 terrorists remain active in the erstwhile state, down from 135. The decline in the number of active terrorists is attributed to successful operations by security forces which neutralised them, with 72 killed in 2023 alone. Notably, foreign terrorists constitute a higher proportion of those still active, with 61 compared to 30 local militants.32 pc decline in number of active terrorists in J-K, 91 terrorists still active despite 72 killed in 2023Read @ANI Story | https://t.co/IrwqfbIVnL#JammuandKashmir #Securityforces pic.twitter.com/Ov0wtPpt9N— ANI Digital (@ani_digital) January 1, 2024Insurgency in JammuThe decrease in terrorism in Kashmir is undeniable while local recruitment and violence have shrunk considerably. However, security officials expressed concern over the apparent shift in militant activity towards Jammu.Prior to the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, Jammu was relatively untouched by militancy. However, now the incidents are on the rise, particularly in the Rajouri and Poonch districts bordering Pakistan. These areas, with their challenging terrain and dense vegetation, have witnessed some of the deadliest attacks on security forces and civilians in recent months.Earlier in December, four soldiers lost their lives in an encounter triggered by terrorists in Rajouris Poonch region. Similar incidents in April and May 2023 resulted in the deaths of ten soldiers. Over the past two years, these districts have seen over 35 soldiers fall victim to anti-terror operations.Hotspot for militancyThe Pir Panjal mountain range provides convenient cover for militants which also helps them to launch ambushes and escapes easily. The mountain range encompasses parts of Rajouri, Poonch, and Reasi districts that have become a hotspot for militancy.
